Florida Veterans On Honor Flights Find Closure To Wars That Never Ended In Their Memories

CLEARWATER, FL — A weary but appreciative band of brothers strolled or rolled in wheelchairs through the main terminal at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport after an Honor Flight took them to view war memorials in Washington, D.C.

The 68 military veterans were greeted by family, friends, veterans organizations, law enforcement officers, school children and other well-wishers who applauded and held up handmade "Welcome Home" signs.

On Tuesday, the vets and their volunteer escorts spent a whirlwind day flying from Clearwater early that morning to Washington, D.C., and then back again, arriving home shortly before 9 p.m.

In between, those chosen for the 43rd Honor Flight of West Central Florida visited the six war monuments and memorials around the National Mall. For many, this was their first time to see the famous memorials dedicated to their sacrifices while serving in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

After being placed on pause during the pandemic, the national nonprofit Honor Flight Network is back in business, providing the "trip of a lifetime" free of charge to veterans, many of whom might not otherwise see this collection of famous monuments located just a short walk from the Lincoln Monument, the Washington Monument and the White House.

Honor Flight of West Central Florida is among 125 Honor Flight hubs in 44 states that are dependent on donations of time and funds to help men and women who served complete one last mission.

Honor Flight of West Central Florida President Tracy Luchtenberg said none of its missions would have been possible without the volunteer guardians who accompany the veterans, Allegiant Air, which donates the chartered plane, and St. Pete-Clearwater Airport, which takes care of all arrangements for the veterans on the honor flight and then organizes a "welcome back" party when they return.

"We appreciate the partnership with Allegiant for the safe transportation of our treasured veterans. A special thank you to the staff at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport for your graciousness in making the welcome home a wonderful celebration," Luchtenberg said.

Related: PIE To Host Welcome Home Event For 43rd Honor Flight Tuesday

The Honor Flight Network was created in 2005. In the years since, it has flown about 22,000 veterans to the U.S. capital annually, for a total of 275,000 veterans.

The West Central Florida Honor Flight was established as a regional hub for the Honor Flight Network in October 2010.

The experience is different for every veteran, said Luchtenberg. Some are moved to tears as they touch the familiar name of a fallen comrade on the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Others feel a long-denied sense of closure to a war that never ended in their memories. And nearly all walk away with a sense of pride at seeing these monuments that will stand long after they're gone, ensuring that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Among the veterans participating in the 43rd Honor Flight were 104-year-old World War II Army veteran Herbert Bennett, 100-year-old World War II Buffalo Soldier (Army) Roy Caldwood and 94-year-old World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Navy and Air Force veteran Robinson Rummell.

Priority on the honor flights is given to World War II, Korean and terminally ill veterans. The 44th flight will take place June 13. Click here for an application.

Email info@honorflightwcf.org www.honorflightwcf.org or call 727-498-6079.